H+3: Peugeot n°3 gives up the ghost

The crew of the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP n°3 had an almost perfect week. A very well tuned car, great times, a pole position, a great start? A hint of annoyance had barely dampened the mood when Pedro Lamy lost the lead to Franck Montagny. But the Portuguese had nothing to reproach himself for, having lost his place during the first refueling.

He then fought for a long time against Franck Montagny for the race lead, before admitting defeat and maintaining his pace in second position. But, after 2h20 of racing, Pedro Lamy had to return to his stand emitting thick white smoke. Verdict: puncture. Just a few seconds to find the reason. “The hull is dead”, we proclaim in the stand, when the car has just been returned. In fact, the suspension attachment at the front right at the hull level gave way. A passage of vibrators too brutal, perhaps. Irreparable, immediate abandonment.

Cruel disappointment for Sébastien Bourdais, the Manceau who dreams more than anything in the world of winning this legendary event. Poleman, the Sarthois was unable to achieve his dream, not even having had the opportunity to defend his chances at the wheel during this 78th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

In fact, Peugeot only has two cars left from the Peugeot Total team, plus the 908 from Oreca. This is third thanks to the great work of Nicolas lapierre, author of an intense quadruple relay. Loïc duval, after 3h05 of racing, took over, and is at 1:40?? from the head of the race, the 908 Oreca having made one more stop than the two leading Peugeots, the n°2 of Stéphane Sarrazin followed by the n°1 of Anthony Davidson.